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Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day Audible Audiobook – Unabridged LJ Ross – editor 

Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

LJ Ross – editor 

Everyday Kindness is a lovely collection of short stories, all of which will certainly brighten your day. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them all! I’m not sure I could choose a favourite out of so many but some of them are written by some of my favourite authors who never disappoint, so I knew I’d be on to a winner with this collection. Each one has a narrator which really suits the story they’re reading too. LJ Ross edited it and if anyone knows a good story she does! If you haven’t read her DCI Ryan series yet, then you are seriously missing out. (Start with Holy Island.)

This book has something for everyone, and I can’t imagine anyone not loving it. Plus, proceeds from the book are donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness so, why not treat yourself or it would make the perfect gift.

Perfect for dipping in and out of and I really enjoyed the Audible edition. I do have a hardcover copy too, which I will read at some point. I’ll probably treat myself to a story per day and enjoy them all, all over again.

Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short, fictional stories of kindness, edited by LJ Ross. These uplifting tales of hope and of small, everyday kindnesses are intended to support wider, positive mental health goals and foster wellbeing through the act of reading tales of goodwill inspired by others. Featuring authors across the spectrum of literature, some international bestsellers and award-winning writers amongst them, this is a unique collection of words.

Proceeds from the book will be donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

Authors include: LJ Ross, Adam Hamdy, Alex Smith, Alexander Gordon Smith, Alison Stockham, Anne O’Leary, Barbara Copperthwaite, J.D. Kirk, C.L. Taylor, Caroline Mitchell, Chris McDonald, Claire Sheehy, Clare Flynn, Darren O’Sullivan, David Leadbeater, Debbie Young, Deborah Carr, Emma Robinson, Graham Brack, Hannah Lynn, Heather Martin, Holly Martin, Ian Sainsbury, Imogen Clark, James Gilbert, Jane Corry, Jean Gill, J.J. Marsh, Judith O’Reilly, Kelly Clayton, Kim Nash, Leah Mercer, Liz Fenwick, Louise Beech, Louise Jensen, Louise Mumford, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Marcia Woolf, Mark Stay, Marcie Steele, Natasha Bache, Nick Jackson, Nick Quantrill, Nicky Black, Patricia Gibney, Rachel Sargeant, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, S.E. Lynes, Shelley Day, Casey Kelleher, Sophie Hannah, Victoria Connelly, Victoria Cooke, Will Dean.

Happy reading!

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39 Weeks by Terri Douglas @terri_douglas_

39 Weeks 

by Terri Douglas 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a delightful read!

Judy is a fabulous character and one I warmed to straight away. As a Mum of two, both planned, I can’t say I could relate to her when she finds out she’s expecting a baby after a one-night stand. I would probably be terrified in her situation too! I love how she slowly gets used to the idea of being a Mum though, but she certainly doesn’t like to make life easy for herself. Her story from conception to motherhood is full of drama, from her difficult relationship with her mother, problems at work, love life complications, and a friendship with the baby’s uncle who doesn’t even know he’s the uncle!

Honestly it is a truly entertaining tale. Laugh out loud funny at times and frustrating at others (why do people not communicate!?).

Ultimately heart-warming. A proper feel-good read. I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle copy of this book on the 14th of November 2013. It is currently still available for 99p **

To her utter dismay Judy discovers she is pregnant. She knows it’s the end of everything, sex, sleep, going out, and generally having a life. The father was a one night Bacardi induced mistake who’s now long gone, thank goodness.
She struggles with prenatal check-up’s and scans and copes with her first craving and leaky boobs, not to mention her ever increasing waistline, and say’s goodbye to size 10 dresses and pretty underwear, although who’s going to be seeing her in her underwear ever again pretty or not she has no idea, and resigns herself to ‘fat clothes’. All Judy wants is to not be pregnant and to be able to get on with her self-imposed never having another relationship life. ‘I mean who needs some bloke telling you how to do everything, or anything, while they consistently bollocks things up.’
Then to add to her quandary, on a last fling night out before the bump gets too noticeably big, she meets the gorgeous Rob who could have been her ‘The One’ if only she wasn’t pregnant.

Happy reading!

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Safe at Home by Mel Sherratt 

Safe at Home

by Mel Sherratt 

Safe at Home is one of Mel Sherratt’s standalone novels. I have loved every book she has published, and this one has been no exception.

Clara has had a troubled past and she battles daily with her inner demons. She just wants to be loved and accepted. To find a home where she feels safe and secure. To do some good in the world, so she can finally feel good about herself. This was never going to be easy for Clara though and my heart went out to her, especially as I got to know her better. She’s done things she’s not proud of and paid for them. I really liked her though. I was rooting for her to find peace and the life she was craving. It’s understandable that others might be wary though when they learn of her past.

Safe at Home is a highly emotional read, featuring characters you could so easily have living in your street. Struggling in ways you might never know. Mel Sherratt always manages to write flawed characters you can’t help but like, and can easily empathise with, despite what they might have done.

Character driven psychological fiction at its finest!

I was glued to my kindle, as I always am with Mel’s books.

** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my kindle review copy. Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt **

She just wants to belong. But some scars run too deep.

Clara’s past is never far behind—but this time, she’s determined to outrun it. Starting over as a support worker, she finds unexpected refuge in Cedric House, the home of kind-hearted widow Roberta. It feels like a second chance. Maybe even a home.

But Clara is no stranger to damage—nor to the anger simmering just beneath the surface. She’s trying: therapy, anger management, staying out of trouble.

Then everything begins to crack. A workplace confrontation. A neighbourly dispute. And the fragile peace she’s fought so hard for starts to slip through her fingers.

Safe at Home is a raw and moving portrait of a woman on the edge—craving connection, battling inner demons, and trying to prove that even the most broken people deserve a place to belong.

Happy reading!

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#BookLaunch The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith #PhilipAstleyProjects #PhilipAstleyCentre #ShowmensGuildofGreatBritain #FunFair #FairgroundHistory

Hi all,

This afternoon my Mum and I attended a very exciting book launch in our hometown of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The launch was held at the Philip Astley Centre, in our town centre, which was the perfect venue for this book….

The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith

There was a reception from 1pm where we enjoyed complimentary coffee and cake before being treated to a fascinating talk from Steve outlining the history and inspiration behind his book.

Speaking of history, for those who don’t already know, Steve Smith was my High School history teacher (and form tutor for my 5 years at Chesterton Community Sports College). We have stayed in touch since and he has always made an effort to attend anything we have invited him to. He attended our wedding reception in 2002! He also came along when we attempted to organise a 20 year school reunion. There were a grand total of 9 of us there, if memory serves, and that includes my husband, Steve, coming with me. Needless to say we didn’t even try for a 30 year reunion, which is a shame really! He also came along to my 40th Birthday drinks, and most recently, Steve’s 50th Birthday celebrations. So, I am so glad I was able to show my support and attend his book launch today 🙂 (Although I didn’t expect to be the only ex-student in attendance!)

The event was very well attended though. Guests included the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Cllr Barry Panter….

….as well as Showmen, Showpeople, enthusiasts, collectors, authors, historians, and experts from all around the UK. It was great to see a full venue of support for Steve and his passion for this subject. A thoroughly enjoyable event. I look forward to reading the book and learning more.

You can purchase a copy of Steve’s book by contacting….

https://www.traditionalrides.com/fairgroundsociety/sales.html

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Before I Let You In by Jenny Blackhurst @JennyBlackhurst

Before I Let You In

by Jenny Blackhurst 

Before I Let You In is a compelling psychological thriller. One that held my interest throughout and kept me guessing to the end.

The story begins when Karen (a psychiatrist) meets a new client for the first time, Jessica. Something is off about Jessica from the get-go, and it soon becomes apparent that she knows Karen and her friends etc. Karen is faced with a dilemma. She should refer her to a different psychiatrist really, but curiosity gets the better of her.

I can’t say I warmed to Karen. She comes across as a bit of a control freak, but I did enjoy the dynamic between her and her friends. They couldn’t be more different to each other. I found them all fascinating, and I couldn’t wait to see where the story would lead.

Jessica put me on edge. I desperately wanted to learn her story!

This book is pacey, with short chapters which add to the pace and tension. It succeeded in shocking me and I loved it!

** I read the paperback edition of Before I Let You In. I’m not sure where I bought it from though as it wasn’t Amazon. Unless it was sent to me via my Wishlist at some point. Thank you if you sent it to me **

She knows you better than you know yourself.

Karen is meant to be the one who fixes problems.

It’s her job, as a psychiatrist – and it’s always been her role as a friend.

But Jessica is different. She should be the patient, the one that Karen helps.

But she knows things about Karen. Her friends, her personal life. Things no patient should know.

And Karen is starting to wonder if she should have let her in . . .

Happy reading!

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Outside In: Nature Poems by Daniel Thompson @AuthorDThompson Julia Murray (Illustrator) @LollyPopPR

Outside In: Nature Poems

by Daniel Thompson (Author) Julia Murray (Illustrator)

Wow! Just, wow!

I think this might be Daniel Thompson’s most gorgeous book to date!

These poems are all about nature and they are just so brilliant.

I love being outside, especially when we get some sunshine. I love being by the sea, by a river, by a lake, surrounded by trees, walking through the countryside, sitting on a beach…. I love it all, but even just sitting in my back garden in the morning, or at dusk, listening to the bird’s tweeting away. There is something quite magical about that.

This book will help the youngsters in your life, and yourselves, to appreciate the wonderful world we live in and will certainly inspire you to spend more time outdoors enjoying it.

The hardcover edition of this book is stunning! My photos don’t do it justice. The illustrations throughout the book are just beautiful and compliment the poetry perfectly. I highly recommend you buy the hardcover edition to be able to enjoy it in all its glory. It’s one to re-read again and again.

** Many thanks to Lorraine Keating for sending me my review copy. It will stay in my permanent collection. **

Inspiring poems to connect with nature

This collection of 50 poems will spark a love of nature, bring calm and happiness and let the outside in.

Beautifully illustrated, it is filled with poems for children to read alone or enjoy with the whole family.

With poems about the seasons, senses, wildlife, weather and the joys of mud, it’s the perfect gift book for children to treasure.

From poet, Daniel Thompson, author of Being You: Poems of Positivity – 2023 City Kids Green Awards Winner and selected for the Reading Agency’s 2023 Summer reading challenge.

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

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Storyhouse, Volume 1: A Blanket of Embers by Andy Kind @andykindcomedy

Storyhouse, Volume 1: A Blanket of Embers

by Andy Kind

24th January 2024

Storyhouse, Volume 1: A Blanket of Embers by Andy Kind is a brilliant collection of short stories! I enjoyed them all in one afternoon.

Each one is as unique, and entertaining, as the last.

Now, I’m never quite sure how to properly review a short story collection so, as I read each one, I made a note of my immediate thoughts.

Here are the ones that stood out the most for me….

Early Stages gave me goosebumps.

The Real Martha Morris is hilarious, at first, but has a shocking conclusion.

A Swift ‘Arf is very clever!

The Boy Who Could Be Anything had me laughing out loud although it probably shouldn’t have.

And I Still Do is thought provoking.

Footprints is another one that gave me goosebumps.

Strawberry Picking – Woah! This one gave me chills!!

I found Kuebiko quite poetic.

The Perplexity of the House on Malleus Road is so creepy!

On A Dream is yet another one that gave me goosebumps.

The Hardest Thing to See is another thought-provoking tale.

That Sunday I Went to Church is both hilarious and heart-warming.

Harry’s Pigeons melted my heart.

Aroma is particularly poignant. It costs nothing to be kind!

A Night in Hebden Bridge is both horrifying and hilarious.

The Sharpshooter is a powerful story to end on. Just wow!

Such clever writing! I can’t recommend this collection highly enough. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, but you could easily dip in and out as each one is short enough to be enjoyed on your tea/coffee break or whenever you fancy. I would happily buy this book for friends and family. I think it deserves to fly off the shelves!

I already own Andy Kind’s other books. I think I really need to bump them up my TBR list!

** Many thanks to Andy Kind for my ARC of this excellent short story collection. I’m honoured to have been the first person to have read it in full! **

Andy Kind presents a collection of short stories as a remedy for the time-strapped modern reader. Storyhouse Volume 1 offers a diverse array of tales through Dusk, into Night, and on to the Dawn – each representing different emotional landscapes. The tales are ‘pandemic babies,’ conceived through the intersection of lockdown monotony and persistent hopefulness.

A Blanket of Embers offers readers an escape into diverse minds and experiences, exploring the three R’s: redemption, resurrection, and reconciliation – while acknowledging the harsh realities of life where death, pride, and brokenness often prevail. The collection promises moments of pleasure, inviting readers to step into the world of compelling ‘What if?’ scenarios and poignant reflections on the human condition, while at times straying into the fantastical, the liminal, and the horrific.

In this, his first collection of short prose, Andy Kind displays both his depth of emotional nuance and his eye for the details hidden in the human psyche.

Happy reading!

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Old Farts Club, Mick Williams @mickwilliamsau2

Hi, I just wanted to make you all aware of these excellent books by Mick Williams….

I was lucky enough to have read very early copies of these quite some time ago and because I’m an idiot I neglected to write proper reviews for them at the time.

I can, however, confirm that I thoroughly enjoyed them both and very much recommend that you add them to your reading list.

I intend to re-read them at some point and update my review(s). Apologies to Mick for being so disorganised. Thank you so much for sending me ARCs. I do genuinely appreciate having the opportunity to read your books way in advance of the general public 🙂

Anyway, here are the details you need folks….

The Old Farts Club returns in the explosive sequel to the award-winning debut, Exodus.

A sniper’s bullet buzzes the ear of retired bomb disposal expert, John McIntyre, leaving his colleague dead in the street.

When McIntyre discovers the sniper was only the first part of a kill-team sent to stop their investigation into mysterious happenings in the North Sea, he calls in a favor from an old military friend, English, the latest recruit of The Old Farts Club.

While The Club heads overseas to help McIntyre, a purse snatching at home leads Dud’s wife, Evie, and her sister on a chase across the country to confront the thief – a journey that develops into an adventure more perilous and chilling at every turn.

But when the guys find themselves isolated in unchartered waters, and the girls realize the stakes are much higher than they expected, both will have to call on outside help if they are to have any chance of survival.

Will the mission closest to home turn out to be their most dangerous yet?
Sarge and Numbers head to the sleepy town of Berding’s Pointe, Indiana, for the funeral of a friend and fellow veteran, only to find that everything has changed.

The once peaceful town is now gripped with fear and riddled with corruption.
What starts as a protection racket escalates into full-blown violence. A sinister cult, preparing to make a huge sacrifice, is slowly taking over. The authorities don’t care, and the residents are helpless.

When the sacrifice looms closer and people go missing, the town needs an army.
All they have is The Club.

Can Sarge and the rag-tag gang save their friends before the death toll rises and the entire town is taken?

The Old Farts Club returns in ‘Man Down’, the third book in the award-winning action thriller series.

For page-turning excitement, the comradery of military veterans, and epic fights of good vs evil, pick up Man Down and join The Club today!

New to the series?

Start here….

Jamaica: a Caribbean paradise fraught with unseen danger.

The Old Farts Club: a small group of mixed-age military veterans with various ‘skills’ who frequent a local fast food joint to swap stories and trade tales.

During a dream Jamaican vacation, Danny ‘Dud’ Wilkerson is devastated when, after a seemingly random accident, his wife Evie vanishes.

The Montego Bay police force insists on a seventy-two hour wait before anyone is officially considered missing. With concrete evidence of her disappearance, Dud can’t wait and, faced with a race against time to find his wife, calls on The Old Farts Club to join him in paradise to track her down.

About Mick Williams….

Mick Williams moved from Stoke-On-Trent, England to Kentucky, USA. Then, after almost a decade, he moved back. Then, after three years, he moved back again.

This time he’s staying.

In between reading, writing and listening to good music he still watches proper football and, for his sins, follows his local team, Port Vale. He does also still cheer for the Indianapolis Colts.

He was adopted by two cats, Crash and Thud, and resides with his patient wife (who is also tiring of moving!) in Kentucky.

Opens profile photo

Happy reading!

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The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson

The Last Line

by Stephen Ronson 

The Last Line is a WWII thriller where we are introduced to war veteran, John Cook.

Cook hears about a young girl who has disappeared since being evacuated from London and he makes it his business to find out where she, and countless other missing children, have gone.

What he discovers is beyond horrific and he will make those responsible pay.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for people in this country who lived through the war. Especially those who had to surrender their children to evacuation in the hope of keeping them safe. It doesn’t even bear thinking about it.

To think your child didn’t even reach their destination and to have no idea what has happened/is happening to them, I would never be able to rest.

Thankfully Cook won’t rest either. He is most definitely someone I would want on my side!

The Last Line is a compelling debut with an excellent storyline and brilliant characterisation. I hope there will be a book two!

‘John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940’s Britain’ – Damien Lewis

*****

May 1940.

With Nazi forces sweeping across France, invasion seems imminent. The English Channel has never felt so narrow.

In rural Sussex, war veteran John Cook has been tasked with preparing the resistance effort, should the worst happen.

But even as the foreign threat looms, it’s rumours of a missing child that are troubling Cook. A twelve-year-old girl was evacuated from London and never seen again, and she’s just the tip of the iceberg – countless evacuees haven’t made it to their host families.

As Cook investigates, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that reaches to the highest ranks of society. He will do whatever it takes to make the culprits pay. There are some lines you just don’t cross.

THE LAST LINE is a blistering action thriller combined with a smart noir mystery, played out expertly against the taut backdrop of the British home front.

Happy reading!